Join us in the Little White Church for this weekly worship service led by our summer intern, Chapman Canlis.

The Taizé Community (pronounced teh-zay) was founded in 1940 by Brother Roger Schütz in a small village in Burgundy, France. It began not as a choir, but as a refuge. During World War II, Brother Roger hid Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazi occupation. To avoid detection, he asked that they pray in silence so as not to alert the authorities. This necessity of silence, combined with a deep desire for reconciliation between divided Christians (Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox), became the seed of the Taizé community. Today, the Taizé Community is made up of over 100 brothers from diverse denominations and nationalities. Their unique style of worship was developed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of language or theology, and they welcome many thousands of young people each week into their “common life” of prayer, work, and play.

Taizé songs are short, simple phrases from Scripture (like "Jesus, remember me" or "Bless the Lord, my soul") sung over and over again. Grab a songbook to see the words/music/translations of each song. The simplicity and repetition of Taizé worship allows speakers of any language to easily learn the words, but also creates space for the gospel to sink down from the head and into the heart. The time of silence embodies this same sacred pause. In a culture that craves distraction, this is an act of radical trust. It is a time to let the songs take root, and to listen for the "still, small voice" of God.

Remember that this is a "contemplative liturgy." It does not rely on a sermon to teach; instead, it relies on the Holy Spirit to speak through silence and song. So feel free to adopt whatever posture - sitting, standing, kneeling, or prostrating - allows you to pray. Whether by singing, meditating, or simply listening, let this ordinary-holy space wash you with the simplicity, silence, and peace of Christ.